Accor’s Sofitel Hotels & Resorts brand is expanding in Shanghai with the agreement of a 293-key luxury urban resort, set to open in 2025.

The hotel group is partnering with Shanghai Xinguang Technology Development Group on the development of Sofitel Shanghai South within the new Zhuanghang Town in the Fengxian District.

France meets China

The new luxury hotel will feature the brand’s signature modern French style, blended with rich Shanghainese traditional culture, while employing an environmentally sensitive approach to development.

A low-rise property amid an expansive resort setting, the new Sofitel Shanghai South will reside among a commercial complex of 40,000 sq m. The 293 guestrooms will offer private balconies with views of Zhuanghang’s conservation forest and the Huangpu river.

Locale integration

Two ballrooms of 1,500 sq m and 700 sq m are generously sized for events, celebrations or business occasions. The hotel will feature signature restaurants and bars, a lobby lounge, an executive lounge, fitness centre, spa and pool.

A rooftop urban farm concept will integrate the natural woodlands with the hotel’s own produce garden, while featuring a rooftop bar, restaurant, and outdoor event space. River views will also be available from the hotel’s sunlit atrium corridors, panoramic guestroom windows and infinity pool.

Deer design

The hotel’s design theme is inspired by the sika deer in the surrounding conservation forest, and The Deer Call – taken from The Book of Songs, the first poetry collection in ancient China. The architectural vision of the hotel is designed by AND Studio, an international firm renowned for its ability to integrate natural ecology and cultural significance into its design plans.

Building construction of the hotel is following green building standards and certification – with an emphasis on energy efficiency, green materials, and technologically advanced systems.

Modern luxury

Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China, said: “We are honoured to partner with Shanghai Xinguang Technology Development Group to bring the modern French elegance of Sofitel to the brilliantly evolving landscape of the Fengxian District, particularly at our privileged address in Zhuanghang Town. From French gastronomy, to an emphasis on arts and culture, chic and sophisticated design, and well-being, Sofitel will bring a sense of modern luxury and savoir-faire to this up-and-coming neighbourhood that will beautifully complement the natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far.”

Huang Shangwei, chairman, Shanghai Xinguang Technology Development Group, added: “With our long history of developing and managing hotels, we have undergone numerous studies and verifications of project site selections and future development prospects, and none have been as compelling or rare as our site for Sofitel Shanghai South in Zhuanghang Town. Our collaboration with Accor has opened up exciting new opportunities, combining our Shanghainese culture with Sofitel’s inimitable French style. Sofitel Shanghai South will surely become a modern classic that shines by the Huangpu River.”

Established presence

Sofitel has a well-established presence in Greater China with 22 hotels and resorts in key destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xian, Kunming, Guiyang, Sanya and Haikou.

The brand also recently signed the 300-room Sofitel Shanghai North Bund, with at least seven further Chinese projects underway, including the 200-key Sofitel Hotel Nantong Qidong, arriving in Q2 2026; Sofitel Zhangjiajie Niban, a 400-room site heading to Hunan state in Q1 2024; and Sofitel Xian Nanfeihong adding 280 rooms to the portfolio in Q2 2023.

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